Cedar Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Cedar Lake in Wright County, Minnesota, is a state-regulated body of water fed by the Clearwater River.


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Summary

This picturesque lake, located in the city of Annandale, is surrounded by natural beauty and offers a serene environment for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore. The dam at Cedar Lake, completed in 1963, serves a primary purpose that falls under the "Other" category, with a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment.

With a dam height of 6.1 feet and a normal storage capacity of 18,150 acre-feet, Cedar Lake covers a surface area of 774 acres and has a drainage area of 14.6 square miles. The lake provides recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat, and water resource management benefits to the local community. The dam, a gravity-type structure with a buttress core, plays a crucial role in controlling water levels and ensuring the safety and stability of the surrounding area.

As a part of the St. Paul District, Cedar Lake is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Ecological and Water Resources division. The dam's last inspection took place in October 2015, with a scheduled inspection frequency of 8 years. Despite its low hazard potential, Cedar Lake remains an important water resource for the region, contributing to the overall environmental health and well-being of the area.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

30

Dam Height

6.1

River Or Stream

CLEARWATER RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

774

Hydraulic Height

1.9

Drainage Area

14.6

Nid Storage

20328

Structural Height

9

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

9
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.